U.S. patent application number 11/708308 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for head gear apparatus having improved air flow arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to DePuy Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chris Clupper, Rudy R. Diaz, Kemberly A. Dwyer, Conrad Klotz, Sam Sackett, Trent Wilkinson.
Application Number | 20070151002 11/708308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34063220 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klotz; Conrad ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
Head gear apparatus having improved air flow arrangement
Abstract
A surgical garment includes a head gear apparatus for supporting
a face shield and shroud. The head gear apparatus includes a helmet
that supports a fan assembly, and that defines forward and rear
ventilation passageways. The helmet includes a chin bar that
defines a centrally located slot, and an upper ledge. The upper
edge of the face shield contacts the upper ledge, while the lower
edge of the shield includes a tab that extends through the slot.
The chin bar and face shield include a plurality of magnetic
elements that magnetically connect the lower edge of the face
shield to the chin bar. The helmet is suspended from a strap
assembly that is carried directly on the head of the wearer. The
strap assembly includes an adjustable occipital support that bears
against the occiput of the wearer. The face shield can include a
plurality of film layers that can be removed when soiled. The fan
assembly includes an inlet opening and the shroud includes a filter
assembly that is sized to overlay the inlet opening and a portion
of the helmet surrounding the inlet opening.
Inventors: |
Klotz; Conrad; (Nappanee,
IN) ; Clupper; Chris; (Columbia City, IN) ;
Diaz; Rudy R.; (Goshen, IN) ; Dwyer; Kemberly A.;
(Fort Wayne, IN) ; Sackett; Sam; (Fort Wayne,
IN) ; Wilkinson; Trent; (Larwill, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAGINOT, MOORE & BECK, LLP;CHASE TOWER
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE
SUITE 3250
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
DePuy Products, Inc.
Warsaw
IN
|
Family ID: |
34063220 |
Appl. No.: |
11/708308 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11322433 |
Dec 29, 2005 |
7200873 |
|
|
11708308 |
Feb 20, 2007 |
|
|
|
10622527 |
Jul 18, 2003 |
6990691 |
|
|
11322433 |
Dec 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/1153 20130101;
A42B 3/225 20130101; A62B 17/001 20130101; A42B 3/286 20130101;
Y10S 2/906 20130101; A42B 3/285 20130101; A42B 3/14 20130101; A62B
18/045 20130101; A42B 3/085 20130101; Y10S 2/901 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/410 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/06 20060101
A42B001/06 |
Claims
1. A head gear apparatus comprising: a helmet configured to be
supported on the head of a wearer; a number of airflow passageways
defined by said helmet to direct airflow across the body of the
wearer; a fan supported by said helmet to direct airflow through
said number of airflow passageways; and a strap assembly including;
a head band configured to be supported on the head of the wearer;
and a strap arrangement connected between said head band and said
helmet so that said helmet hangs from said strap arrangement at
locations on opposite sides of the wearer's head.
2. The head gear apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said strap
arrangement includes: a crown strap that extends along each side of
the wearer's head; and an attachment tab extending from said crown
strap on each side of the wearer's head, said attachment tab
connected to said helmet.
3. The head gear apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strap
arrangement includes: a pair of crown straps extending along
opposite sides of the wearer's head and sized to meet over the top
of the wearer's head; and a fastener disposed between said pair of
crown straps to fasten said straps together at the top of the
wearer's head.
4. The head gear apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said crown
strap defines a cut-out and said attachment tab is positioned
within said cut-out.
5. The head gear apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a top
portion of said attachment tab is integral with said crown strap
and an opposite bottom portion of said attachment tab is connected
to said helmet.
6. A head gear apparatus comprising: a helmet configured to be
supported on the head of a wearer; at least two airflow passageways
defined by said helmet, each of the passageways defining an end
thereof, a first one of said passageways arranged to direct airflow
across the back of the wearer and a second one of said passageways
arranged to direct airflow across the face of the wearer when said
helmet is supported on the head of the wearer; and a fan supported
by said helmet to direct airflow through said at least two airflow
passageways, wherein at least one of said airflow passageways
includes means for adjusting the airflow through said at least one
passageway; and a baffle disposed in one of said airflow
passageways, a portion of the baffle positioned adjacent the end of
one of the passageways, the baffle being adjustable for varying the
direction of the airflow from the fan in the one of the passageways
adjacent the end of said one of the passageways.
7. The head gear apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the baffle
is arcuate.
8. The head gear apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the baffle
is connected to the helmet adjacent the passageway at a first end
of the baffle and wherein the opposed end of the baffle is adjacent
to the end of said one of the passageways.
9. The head gear apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least a
portion of said baffle extends past the end of the passageway of
said helmet.
10. The head gear apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
baffle has a one piece construction.
11. The head gear apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising means for adjusting the position of the baffle in the
passageway.
12. The head gear apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
means for adjusting the position of the baffle in the passageway
comprises an adjustable fastener connecting the baffle to the
helmet.
13. A head gear apparatus comprising: a helmet configured to be
supported on the head of a wearer; at least two airflow passageways
defined by said helmet, a first one of said passageways arranged to
direct airflow across the back of the wearer and a second one of
said passageways arranged to direct airflow across the face of the
wearer when said helmet is supported on the head of the wearer; a
fan supported by said helmet to direct airflow through said at
least two airflow passageways, wherein at least one of said airflow
passageways includes means for adjusting the airflow through said
at least one passageway; and a baffle disposed in one of said at
least two airflow passageways for continuously varying the airflow
through said at least one passageway from no flow through full
flow.
14. The head gear apparatus of claim 13, wherein said baffle
comprises: a first member including a plurality of spaced apart
openings; and a second member including a plurality of spaced apart
openings, said second member moveably cooperating with said first
member.
15. The head gear apparatus of claim 14, wherein: said first member
defines a surface thereof; said second member defines a surface
thereof; the surface of said first member being slidable over the
surface of said second member.
16. The head gear apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the first member
and the second member have a first relative position between each
other, the plurality of spaced apart openings of the first member
are in alignment with each other, the first member and the second
member have a second relative position between each other, the
plurality of spaced apart openings of the second member are not in
alignment with each other.
17. The head gear apparatus of claim 16 wherein the openings are
rectangular.
18. The head gear apparatus according to claim 17, further
comprising a battery for powering said fan, said battery being a
lithium ion type battery.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 11/322,433, filed on Dec, 29, 2005, which in turn is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 10/622,527, filed on Jul. 18,
2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,691. The disclosures of each of the
above-identified patent applications are each hereby totally
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a head gear apparatus
that incorporates a face shield and apparatus that incorporates a
ventilation system. The present disclosure has particular
application for use with a garment worn by a medical caregiver
during surgical procedures.
[0003] In many surgical procedures, medical personnel wear garments
that are intended to maintain a barrier between the personnel and
the patient. This barrier helps maintain sterile conditions in the
operating room setting by completely shrouding the medical
personnel and their clothing. In addition, this barrier serves to
protect the caregiver from exposure to blood and body fluids.
Various organizations, such as OSHA, promulgate recommendations
regarding occupational exposure to fluid-borne pathogens during
medical procedures. The surgical gown or shroud helps meet these
recommendations.
[0004] One such surgical gown, or personal protection system, is
the PROVISION.TM. System, marketed by DePuy Orthopaedics Co., Inc.
This system includes a helmet system that integrates with a barrier
hood and gown. The hood and gown are composed of a HYTREL.RTM.
elastomer (provided by DuPont deNemours) that allows heat to escape
while maintaining a fluid-impervious barrier protection. In
addition to the gown material, a face shield or bubble is provided
to allow the caregiver a protected view of the surgical arena.
[0005] The helmet system supports at least the barrier hood. Since
the medical caregiver is essentially encased within the hood and
gown, ventilation is of critical importance. Ventilation is
necessary for air supply, CO.sub.2 discharge, heat control and
anti-fogging of the face shield. Thus, the helmet component of the
PROVISION.TM. System includes an air moving and filtration system.
The system draws ambient air through a filter assembly and directs
the filtered air through vents formed in the helmet. In the
PROVISION.TM. System, air is directed across the face of the wearer
and across the face shield. The air mover is an electric fan that
connects to an external power supply and speed control worn about
the waist of the caregiver.
[0006] Certain aspects of the PROVISION.TM. System are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,617, assigned to the owner of the present
disclosure. The specification and figures of this application are
incorporated herein by reference. For purposes of illustration,
certain features of the helmet system described in the '617 patent
are shown in FIG. 1. The surgical garment 10 includes a face shield
12 attached to a fabric shroud 14. A helmet 16 includes an interior
pad 27 to improve comfort. The helmet supports a fan assembly 18
that can be adjusted fore and aft along the helmet for the comfort
of the wearer. The shroud 14 incorporates a filter element 20 that
is situated directly above the inlet to the fan assembly 18 when
the shroud is positioned over the helmet. The filter element 20 is
configured to grip the perimeter of a flange 21 formed on the fan
assembly so that the filter is sealed over the fan inlet.
[0007] The ventilation aspect of the surgical garment 10 is
accomplished through a ventilation duct 22 formed within the helmet
16. The duct 22 is arranged to direct air flow from the fan
assembly 18 to the front of the helmet, and more particularly
across the face shield 12 and the face of the wearer. An adjustable
airflow deflector 23 is positioned within the duct 22 to control
the direction of air flow passing across the face shield. For
instance, the deflector can be extended to its position 23' to
direct most of the air flow across the face of the caregiver
wearing the garment 10. This adjustment can be readily accomplished
by grasping the control knob through the shroud 14.
[0008] The helmet 16 is stabilized by an adjustable strap assembly
24 that is pivotably attached to the helmet. The assembly includes
a forehead strap portion 25 that engages the forehead of the
wearer. The forehead strap portion includes a pad for the comfort
of the wearer. The strap assembly 24 also includes an adjustable
nape strap portion 26 that is arranged to grip the nape of the neck
of the caregiver. The nape strap portion includes two straps that
are coupled through an adjustment mechanism 28. Rotating the knob
on the adjustment mechanism 28 draws the two straps of the nape
strap portion 26 together to tighten the strap assembly 24 onto the
head of the wearer.
[0009] The aforementioned PROVISION.TM. System incorporates many
features of the garment system shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the
PROVISION.TM. System incorporates a chin bar that extends from the
forward portion of the helmet underneath the chin of the wearer.
The chin bar helps support the lower edge of the face shield 12,
especially when the caregiver moves or bends over. In another
feature of the PROVISION.TM. System, attachment strips are provided
across the front of the helmet and the central portion of the chin
bar. The shroud 14 is provided with mating attachment strips so
that the shroud can be removably attached to the helmet assembly.
This attachment helps maintain the shroud and face shield in
position even when the wearer is moving. These attachment strips
incorporate hook and loop type fasteners so that the shroud can be
detached and reattached as necessary.
[0010] The surgical garment 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the
PROVISION.TM. System provide significant advantages in comfort and
ease of use over prior ventilated garments. The helmet and strap
arrangements solidly support the fan assembly on the head of the
caregiver, and the adjustable position of the fan assembly helps
achieve a well-balanced helmet arrangement. The ventilation duct 22
directs air flow at the critical path across the face shield 12 and
the face of the wearer. While this system presents a significant
improvement over prior systems, there is a continuing motivation to
enhance the comfort, ease of use and versatility of ventilated
surgical garments.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] In view of this continuing motivation, the present
disclosure contemplates improvements to a ventilated surgical
garment that increase the comfort of wearing the garment, enhance
the ventilation characteristics, and improve the ease of donning
the garment.
[0012] In one embodiment of the disclosure, a head gear apparatus
comprises a helmet configured to be supported on the head of a
wearer, with at least two airflow passageways defined by the
helmet. A first one of the passageways is arranged to direct
airflow across the back of the wearer and a second one of the
passageways is arranged to direct airflow across the face of the
wearer when the helmet is supported on the head of the wearer. The
head gear apparatus includes a fan supported by the helmet to
direct airflow through the two airflow passageways.
[0013] In one feature of this embodiment, at least one of the
airflow passageways includes means for adjusting the airflow
through the passageway. In a preferred embodiment, both the forward
and rear passageways include means for adjusting the airflow
through the corresponding passageway. The second or rear airflow
passageway can includes a plurality of portals defined in the
helmet adjacent the fan. The portals are arranged to direct airflow
across the back of the wearer. In a most preferred embodiment, each
portal includes a baffle that is arranged to specifically direct
the airflow to the neck of the wearer.
[0014] The means for adjusting the airflow through the rear airflow
passageway can include a louver plate disposed within the helmet
between the plurality of portals and the fan. The louver plate
defines a plurality of louver openings corresponding to the
plurality of portals, with walls between the portals. The louver
plate is slidable within the helmet to adjustably overlap at least
a portion of the portals. The louver plate can preferably move from
a first position in which the louver openings are aligned with the
portals to permit full airflow through the portals, to a second
position in which the walls completely overlap the portals, thereby
effectively stopping airflow through the portals across the
wearer's back.
[0015] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a head gear
apparatus comprises a helmet configured to be supported on the head
of a wearer, a number of airflow passageways defined by the helmet
to direct airflow across the body of the wearer and a fan supported
by the helmet to direct airflow through the number of airflow
passageways. In this embodiment, a strap assembly is provided for
supporting the helmet without allowing the helmet to contact the
head of the wearer. The strap assembly can include a head band
configured to be supported on the head of the wearer and a strap
arrangement connected between the head band and the helmet to
support the helmet so that the helmet is not supported directly on
the head of the wearer.
[0016] In certain embodiments, this strap arrangement includes a
crown strap that extends along at least the side of the wearer's
head, and an attachment tab extending from the crown strap. The
attachment tab is connected to the helmet. In a preferred
embodiment, a pair of crown straps are provided that extend along
opposite sides of the wearer's head and that are sized to meet at
the crown of the wearer's head. A fastener disposed between the
pair of crown straps can adjustably fasten the straps together at
the top of the wearer's head.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment, each crown strap defines a
cut-out with a corresponding attachment tab positioned within the
cut-out. Preferably, a top portion of the attachment tab is
integral with the crown strap and an opposite bottom portion of the
attachment tab is connected to the helmet. The attachment tab and
cut-out resiliently suspends the helmet from the strap assembly so
that tightening of the head band does not exert any force on the
connection between the helmet and tabs.
[0018] In a further feature of the disclosure, the strap assembly
includes an occipital support connected to the head band. The
occipital support is configured to bear against the occiput of the
wearer when the head band is on the head of the wearer. In a
preferred embodiment, the occipital support is vertically
adjustably connected to the head band to permit adjustment of the
occipital support across the distance between the head band and the
occiput of the wearer. The occipital support can include a lattice
configuration for the comfort of the wearer.
[0019] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a head gear
apparatus comprises a helmet configured to be supported on the head
of a wearer and a face shield mounted to the helmet, the face
shield defining a substantially clear viewing area for the wearer.
A plurality of substantially transparent film layers can be
removably mounted on the face shield over the viewing area.
Successive layers can be removed when the layer becomes soiled,
such as by splattered fluids during a surgical procedure.
[0020] In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a head gear
apparatus comprises a helmet configured to be supported on the head
of a wearer, the helmet including a chin bar extending adjacent the
chin of the wearer when the helmet is supported on the head of the
wearer. The helmet defines a face opening above the chin bar. A
face shield is included that is configured to cover at least a
portion of the face opening. A plurality of magnetic elements are
disposed between the face shield and the chin bar to attach the
face shield on the chin bar. Preferably, the chin bar is continuous
from one side of the helmet to the other side of the helmet.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of magnetic
elements includes at least a pair of magnetic elements supported on
the chin bar, with at least one each mounted on opposite sides of
the wearer's head. A corresponding number of magnetic elements can
be attached to the face shield and arranged to engage the
corresponding magnetic elements on the chin bar. Most preferably,
the magnetic elements on the chin bar are permanent magnets, while
the elements on the face shield are metal slugs.
[0022] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a head gear
apparatus comprises a helmet configured to be supported on the head
of a wearer, the helmet including a chin bar extending adjacent the
chin of the wearer when the helmet is supported on the head of the
wearer. The helmet defines a face opening above the chin bar. In
accordance with one feature of this embodiment, the chin bar
defines a slot. A face shield is provided that is configured to
cover at least a portion of the face opening. The face shield has a
lower edge and a tab extending from the lower edge. The tab is
configured for engagement within the slot to hold the face shield
in position on the helmet.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the chin bar is continuous from
one side of the helmet to the other side of the helmet and the slot
is defined substantially at the center of the chin bar. The chin
bar can define a forward-projecting lower ledge with the slot
defined within the ledge. The ledge is configured to support at
least a portion of the lower edge of the face shield when the tab
extends through the slot.
[0024] In another aspect of the disclosure, the face shield
includes an upper edge opposite the lower edge, and the helmet
includes an upper ledge at an upper portion of the face opening.
The upper ledge is configured to receive at least a portion of the
upper edge when the tab extends through the slot in the chin
bar.
[0025] A surgical garment system is provided that comprises a
helmet and a disposable garment. The helmet is configured to be
supported on the head of a wearer, with a number of airflow
passageways defined by the helmet to direct airflow across the body
of the wearer. A fan assembly includes an inlet opening defined by
the helmet and a fan supported by the helmet within the inlet
opening to direct airflow through the number of airflow
passageways. A face shield is supported on the helmet and is
attached to a shroud. The shroud is sized and configured to cover
at least the helmet.
[0026] In one aspect of this embodiment, the shroud includes a
filter element positioned on the shroud that is sized to overlay
the inlet opening and a portion of the helmet surrounding the inlet
opening when the shroud is covering the helmet. The filter element
defines an area greater than the area of the inlet opening when the
filter element overlies the inlet opening and the helmet. This
relative sizing of the filter element to the inlet opening allows
for greater manufacturing tolerances with respect to the position
of the shroud on the helmet.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side partial cross-section view of a prior art
surgical garment of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,617.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a helmet for use with a
surgical garment according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front view of a face shield for use with the
helmet shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area 4 identified on the
helmet in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area 5 identified on the
helmet in FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a side view of the helmet shown in FIG. 2 with the
face shield of FIG. 3 mounted thereon.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the helmet and face shield
shown in FIG. 6.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the helmet and face shield shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective partial view of the helmet shown in
FIG. 8, particularly showing the fan assembly with the inlet grill
removed.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a side partial cross-section view of the helmet
of FIG. 2, particularly showing the ventilation features of the
helmet.
[0037] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area 11
identified on the helmet in FIG. 10.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a bottom elevational view of the rear portion of
the helmet shown in FIG. 10, particularly showing the rear
ventilation feature of one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a strap assembly for use
with the helmet shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with a further
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a side view of the strap assembly shown in FIG.
13 with an occipital support in accordance with another feature of
the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 15 is an enlarged side view of a connection between the
strap assembly of FIG. 13 and the helmet of FIG. 2 in accordance
with one aspect of the disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the occipital support
depicted in FIG. 14.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a side view of the helmet and face shield shown
in FIG. 6 with a fabric shroud mounted thereto.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a helmet
showing a modified rear ventilation arrangement in accordance with
an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pre-curved face shield in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in which the
face shield is produced from roll stock.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should
be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It
is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
presented and that all changes, modifications and further
applications that come within the spirit of the invention are
desired to be protected.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a head gear apparatus is
illustrated which includes a helmet 30 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 30
includes a rear portion 32, a forward ventilation duct 34, a chin
bar 36 and a pair of support struts 38. Preferably the helmet 30 is
formed by an inner shell 30a and an outer shell 30b that are
affixed together once the interior components have been installed.
The shells are preferably formed of a high impact but lightweight
plastic as is known in the art. The shells 30a and 30b can be
affixed in a conventional manner, such as through sonic welding.
Alternatively, the helmet can be a single molded piece, with the
interior components added through openings in the molded
helmet.
[0048] As can be appreciated from FIG. 2, the helmet 30 covers only
as little of the wearer's head as necessary to support the
functional components of the helmet. Thus, the rear portion 32 and
support struts 38 define large side openings 42 where the wearer's
head is exposed. Likewise, the support struts and chin bar 36
define a large face opening 44 through which the caregiver looks
when wearing the helmet 30. As shown in FIG. 2, a forward portion
34a of the ventilation duct 34 projects across a portion of the
face opening 44. In use, this portion 34a subtends part of the
forehead of the wearer so that the free end 34b of the duct 34
terminates above the eyes of the wearer. As will be explained
herein, this front portion 34a does not rest on the forehead but is
supported away from the wearer's head. Moreover, the free end 34b
is supported substantially out of the line of vision and preferably
beyond the upper peripheral vision of the wearer. The front portion
34a is essentially cantilevered from the rear portion 32 and
support struts 38 so that the helmet does not extend around the
forehead of the wearer, as in prior art head gear apparatus.
[0049] The present disclosure contemplates a novel face shield 50
as shown in FIG. 3. This face shield 50 includes an arcuate upper
edge 52 and an arcuate lower edge 54. The lower edge 54 is
configured to correspond to the contour of the chin bar 36 when the
face shield 50 is mounted to the helmet 30 (as shown in FIG. 6).
The upper edge extends as far as necessary to define the uppermost
viewing area for the caregiver. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
the upper edge 52 leaves a significant portion of the face opening
44 free between the face shield 50 and the support struts 38.
[0050] The face shield 50 is formed of a lightweight clear plastic
as is known in the art (although the plastic may be tinted or
coated for glare reduction). The face shield material is preferably
scratch resistant, but since the surgical garment is intended for
disposal after a single use the material need not be extremely
durable. In one aspect of the disclosure, a series of peel-away
transparent film layers 60 can be removably carried by the face
shield 50. The peel-away film layers 60 are formed of a
transparent, thin and flexible film material, such as PET-G
plastic. Preferably, the layers 60 cover all or a substantial area
of the face shield. Each layer 60 can be readily removed during a
surgical procedure when the layer becomes scratched or splattered.
With prior face shields, a scrub nurse is frequently required to
try to wipe the face shield clean of splattered fluids that
obstruct the surgeon's vision. With the peel-away layers 60 of the
present disclosure, the vision obscuring material can be removed
with the layer. The layers 60 can be provided with indexed tabs
(not shown) that extend away from the face shield 50 to make
grasping and removing a layer easier, especially when wearing
surgical gloves.
[0051] In another aspect of the disclosure, reliable attachment of
the face shield 50 to the helmet 30 is simplified. In one feature,
the chin bar 36 includes a plurality of magnetic elements 40
mounted to the chin bar. As shown in FIG. 2, two such magnetic
elements are provided on each side of the chin bar. The face shield
50 includes comparably positioned magnetic elements 58 mounted
around the perimeter of the lower edge 54. Preferably, the elements
40 mounted in the chin bar 36 are magnets, while the elements 58 on
the face shield are formed of a magnetically attracted material,
such as iron or steel slugs. The elements 40 can be embedded within
the chin bar so that the surface of the magnet is generally
contiguous with the surface of the chin bar. The magnetic elements
58 on the face shield can be thin metal slugs.
[0052] The magnetic attraction between the elements 40 and 58 is
sufficiently strong to hold the face shield 50 tightly against the
chin bar. On the other hand, the magnetic attraction is
sufficiently weak to allow easy removal of the face shield from the
helmet. In the preferred embodiment, the face shield 50 is
initially generally planar, or only slightly curved. When the face
shield is engaged to the helmet, the shield is formed into a broad
curve around the face opening 44 of the helmet. This broad curve
adds strength to the face shield, but more importantly ensures an
undistorted panoramic view from inside the helmet. The magnetic
attraction between the elements 40 and 58 must be sufficiently
strong to hold the face shield 50 at this curvature against the
natural tendency of the shield to spring back to its generally
planar configuration. Alternatively, the face shield can be formed
with a pre-determined curvature, in which case a lesser degree of
magnetic attraction may be sufficient to hold the face shield to
the helmet.
[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the magnetic elements 40, 58
form one part of the mechanism for supporting and retaining the
face shield 50 on the helmet 30. In another aspect of the
disclosure, the face shield 50 is provided with a tab 62 projecting
below the lower edge 54 of the shield. This tab 62 and the upper
edge 52 of the shield cooperate with features on the helmet shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 4, a detailed view of the free end 34b of
the ventilation duct 34 shows that the duct includes a notch plate
65 mounted thereto. The notch plate 65 is curved to conform to the
expected curvature of the face shield 50 when it is mounted to the
helmet. The notch plate defines an upper ledge 67 as shown in FIG.
6. It is understood that the upper ledge 67 can be integrally
formed into the free end 34b, rather than incorporated into a
separated mounted notch plate 65.
[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the upper edge 52 of the face
shield rests adjacent to the notch plate 65 while being spaced
apart from the upper ledge 67 as shown in FIG. 6. In alternative
embodiments, the notch plate 65 can be provided with features to
nominally retain the upper edge. For instance, the notch plate 65
can include a dimple at the top of the upper ledge 67 that can form
a friction fit with the upper edge 52 of the face shield.
[0055] Opposite the notch plate 65, or more particularly at the
middle of the chin bar 36, is a lower ledge 69, as shown in FIG. 5.
This lower ledge 69 projects slightly forward from the chin bar so
that the lower edge 54 of the face shield can rest on the ledge.
The ledge defines a tab slot 71 through which the tab 62 on the
face shield extends when the shield is mounted on the helmet.
[0056] The magnetic elements 40, 58, notch plate 65 and tab/slot
62, 71 features combine to provide a solid attachment of the face
shield 50 to the helmet. In addition, these components allow for
easy donning of the shroud and face shield (it being understood
that the face shield is fastened to a shroud as described herein).
Specifically, the face shield is mounted on the helmet by first
positioning the tab 62 within the slot 71. When the tab/slot
engages, the face shield can be tilted back toward the helmet until
the upper edge 52 of the shield rests against the upper ledge 67.
At this point, the sides of the face shield can be pushed inward
until the magnetic elements 40, 58 engage. The face shield 50 can
be removed by reversing these steps, or by simply moving the upper
edge 52 of the shield away from the upper ledge 67 and tilting the
face shield forward to disconnect the magnetic elements.
[0057] The magnetic engagement of the face shield to the helmet
provides a secure connection. If one side of the face shield
becomes dislodged from the chin bar, the magnetic elements can be
quickly re-engaged by a simple turn of the wearer's head. Once the
magnetic elements of the face shield move into close proximity to
the magnetic elements on the chin bar, the magnetic attraction
draws the elements together, thereby re-establishing the connection
between the face shield and the helmet.
[0058] Optimally, the mounting on or removal of the face shield 50
relative to the helmet can be accomplished with one hand by the
wearer, rather than with both hands or with outside assistance.
Moreover, the magnetic elements 40, 58 provide a self-aligning
feature for the face shield 50 so that the face shield remains
centered in its proper position over the face opening 44.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, certain aspects of the
air-moving system for the present disclosure can be discerned. The
fan assembly 18 is mounted to the back of the helmet 30 at the rear
portion 32. The assembly 18 includes a fan 74 mounted within the
shells of the helmet. Preferably, the fan 74 is supported on the
inner shell 30a, while a fan opening 75 is provided in the outer
shell 30b, as seen in FIG. 9. The fan opening serves as an air
inlet. A grill 76 extends across the opening 75 to prevent the
shroud material from being drawn into the fan and to protect the
wearer's fingers from encroachment into the fan. As can be
appreciated from the rear view of FIG. 8, the fan opening extends
across substantially the entire rear portion 32 of the helmet
30.
[0060] The base of the rear portion 32 includes a power jack 78
that is electrically connected to the fan 74. The jack 78 receives
a power cable that is connected to a power supply and control
system (not shown). This power supply and control system can be of
the type known in the art. By way of example, this system can
include a battery and speed control circuitry that permits control
of the speed of the fan, and therefore the airflow rate through the
helmet. This power supply and control system is preferably
supported around the waist of the wearer so that the weight and
bulk of the system does not present a burden on the wearer. In a
preferred embodiment, the battery is a lithium ion type battery.
This type of battery is lighter weight, has higher energy density,
and improved cycle life in comparison to other battery types
traditionally used with surgical helmets.
[0061] In accordance with one feature of the present disclosure,
the fan assembly 18 provides air flow to both the forward and rear
portions of the helmet. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the
fan 74 directs air through a forward ventilation channel 80 and
through rear ventilation portals 82. The forward channel 80 is
formed within the ventilation duct 34 that extends from the rear
portion 32 over the top of the wearer's head toward the forehead,
as shown in FIG. 10. The forward channel 80 occupies most of the
interior of the duct 34. Preferably, the duct 34, and therefore the
channel 80, flares out adjacent the fan 74, as represented by the
dashed lines 11 shown in FIG. 10, to maximize the air flow into the
channel 80.
[0062] The forward air flow passes through the channel 80 in the
duct 34 and exits at the forward discharge opening 85. The
direction of this discharged airflow can be modified using the
mechanism depicted in the detail view of FIG. 11. In particular, a
deflector plate 87 is slidably disposed within the channel 80
adjacent the discharge opening. The plate 87 is connected to an
adjustment knob 89 which extends through an adjustment slot 91
formed in the outer shell 30b. The knob can be loosened to allow
the deflector plate 87 to be moved in and out of the discharge
opening 85, as depicted by the bidirectional arrows. The deflector
plate 87 is preferably curved so that when the plate is fully
extended beyond the discharge opening 85 the plate can direct the
air flow toward the face of the wearer.
[0063] As indicated above, the present disclosure contemplates
ventilation at the rear of the helmet as well. The rear ventilation
portals 82 are formed in the bottom of the rear portion 32, as best
seen in FIG. 12. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of
portals 82 are defined on both sides of the helmet. In one specific
embodiment, the portals 82 can constitute a single portal
traversing the circumferential expanse of the multiple portals
shown in FIG. 12. The portals 82 are configured to direct air onto
the back of the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG.
18, a modified rear portion 32' defines modified portals 82'. In
particular, each portal includes a baffle 150 that is arranged to
specifically direct the airflow onto the neck of the wearer. Thus,
the air flow passes along the inner surface 152 and against the
baffles 150 which imparts a directional vector to the airflow
through the apertures 82'. It is understood that the baffles 150
can be provided on every portal 82' or on only some of the
portals.
[0064] In one feature of the preferred embodiment, the rear
ventilation portals are adjustable from a fully opened to a fully
closed configuration. Returning to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, an
arcuate louver plate 94 is mounted within the helmet 30 above the
rear ventilation portals 82. The louver plate 94 defines a
plurality of louver openings 96 that correspond in size and number
to the ventilation portals 82. The louver openings 96 are separated
and flanked by walls 97 that are sized to substantially completely
cover, or even overlap, the corresponding portals 82.
[0065] The louver plate 94 is slidably mounted within the helmet so
that the plate can be moved from a fully open position in which the
louver openings 96 are aligned with the portals 82 to fully closed
position in which the walls 97 are aligned with the portals. An
adjustment knob 98 (FIGS. 10, 12) is attached to the louver plate
94. The knob is slidable within a slot 99 to control the
side-to-side movement of the louver plate 94. It should be
understood that the louver plate 94 can be locked in any position,
including a position in which the walls 97 only partially obstruct
the rear ventilation portals 82, thereby providing the wearer with
a wide range of control over the airflow across the back of the
wearer.
[0066] From the above discussion, it should be appreciated that the
more the rear ventilation portals 82 are blocked or occluded by the
walls 97 of the louver plate 94 (and thus the lower the velocity of
air flow out of the portals 82), the higher the velocity of air
flow out of the forward discharge opening 85. Likewise, the less
the rear ventilation portals 82 are blocked or occluded by the
walls 97 of the louver plate 94 (and thus the higher the velocity
of air flow out of the portals 82), the lower the velocity of air
flow out of the forward discharge opening 85.
[0067] As thus far described, the helmet provides a support
structure for the ventilation components and for the hood and/or
shroud donned over the helmet. Another feature of the disclosure
resides in a strap assembly 100, shown in FIGS. 13-16, that
supports the helmet off of the head of the wearer. In some prior
art systems, at least a portion of the helmet is carried directly
on the head of the caregiver. When supported in this way, the
helmet not only "smothers" the portion of the head, it also
prevents access of ventilation air to that portion. The strap
assembly 100 of the present disclosure essentially elevates the
helmet off the head to allow access to the cooling airflow.
[0068] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the strap assembly 100
includes a head band portion 102 that is sized to fit around the
head of the wearer. A front portion 103 contacts the wearer's
forehead. A rear portion of the head band is split into two
adjustably connected straps 104 that traverse the back of the
wearer's head. As shown in FIG. 14, these adjustable straps 104 are
offset downwardly from the front portion 103. A diameter adjustment
mechanism 106 interconnects the free ends of the adjustable straps
104 in a manner known in the art. One such adjustment mechanism is
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,617, incorporated by
reference above. The mechanism includes a rotatable knob 108 that
can be used to draw the straps 104 together, thereby decreasing the
circumference of the head band 102 about the caregiver's head.
[0069] The strap assembly 100 includes opposite crown straps 110
that are arranged to wrap around the crown of the wearer's head.
The crown straps can be provided with opposing fastener elements
112, 113 to allow adjustable interconnection of the free ends of
the straps 110. In a preferred embodiment, these fastener elements
112, 113 can be mating hook and loop fasteners that can be easily
engaged and re-adjusted whenever necessary. The interior of the
crown straps 110, as well as the headband 102, can include padding
for the wearer's comfort.
[0070] In addition to providing an additional feature for
supporting the strap assembly 100 on the wearer's head, the crown
straps 110 also incorporate the mechanism for connecting the strap
assembly to the helmet 30. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the helmet
30 includes fastener locations 121 at the junction between the
support struts 38 and the chin bar 36. The strap assembly includes
attachment tabs 115 that form part of the crown straps 110. The
tabs 115 are situated within tab cut-outs 117 defined in the straps
110, as shown in FIG. 13. The upper end of each tab 115 is
connected to or integral with the straps 110, while the lower end
of the tab is unattached and instead free to flex within the tab
cut-outs 117. The lower end of each tab includes a fastening
location 119 that corresponds to the fastening locations 121 of the
helmet. These fastening locations 119, 121 can be joined by a
mechanical fastener, such as a brad, or by spot welding at the
respective locations.
[0071] It can be appreciated that the strap assembly 100 is
connected to the helmet 30 at only two locations--one on each
opposite side of the helmet, namely locations 121--as shown in FIG.
15. This connection allows the attachment tabs 115 to operate as a
resilient support as the helmet essentially hangs from the strap
assembly 100 at these tabs. The circumference of the headband 102
can be freely adjusted without exerting any force upon the
interface between the strap assembly and the helmet. When the strap
circumference is reduced, the crown straps 110 retract inward from
the tabs 115 without compromising the connection at the locations
119, 121. The configuration of the tabs 115 and tab cut-outs 117
also simplify the construction of the strap assembly, since these
features can be easily stamped from a flat sheet of material along
with the straps 102, 104 and 110. Preferably, the fastener
locations 121 on the helmet are oriented adjacent the temples of
the wearer. In this way, the helmet can be supported in a balanced
position as it hangs from the strap assembly 100.
[0072] In a further beneficial feature of the present disclosure,
the strap assembly 100 can include an occipital support 125.
Alternatively, the occipital support 125 may be attached directly
to the helmet 30. The occipital support 125 projects below from the
rear of the strap assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the
occipital support includes a pair of adjustment bars 127 (FIG. 16)
that project upward into mounting brackets 129 formed on the
adjustment mechanism 106, as shown in FIG. 14. The bars 127 and
brackets 129 can be configured to form an adjustable fit, such as
by an adjustable press-fit or an interlocking component
arrangement. In this way, the vertical position of the occipital
support 125 relative to the strap assembly 100 can be adjusted for
the comfort of the wearer.
[0073] The occipital support 125 includes opposite support edges
131 that are arranged and configured to contact the occipital ridge
at the base of the wearer's skull. The occipital support 125
employs an open lattice so that the support can flex during use.
The open lattice also allows airflow through the support 125. A
hinge portion 133 can be defined between the support edges 131 to
accommodate the occipital notch in the skull and to allow another
degree of flex for the occipital support. The occipital support 125
thus operates as an anchor of sorts against the base of the
wearer's skull that cooperates with the head band 102 to provide
stable support for the helmet. This anchor effect is particularly
beneficial in connection with the attachment tabs from which the
forward portion of the helmet hangs. The occipital support shares
the load of supporting the helmet with the head band and helps
distribute that load in a more balanced manner than with prior
helmet systems.
[0074] The face shield 50 is affixed to a fabric shroud, such as
the shroud 140 shown in FIG. 17. Preferably, the shield 50 is
affixed to the shroud at a sealing perimeter 56 (FIG. 3) adjacent
the upper and lower edges 52, 54 of the shield. The sealing
engagement 142 can be accomplished in a manner conventional in the
art; however, it is understood that a substantially air-tight seal
of the face shield to the shroud is important. First, the air-tight
seal prevents the incursion or expulsion of airborne contaminants
to and from the surgical garment. Second, the air-tight seal
maintains the airflow through the forward ventilation duct 34
without leakage through the face shield.
[0075] The shroud 140 includes a filter element 144 sealed or sewn
to the shroud in a known manner. The filter element can be
conventional in material and properties. In a preferred embodiment,
the filter element includes an electrostatic media capable of
removing at least 91% of aerosolized particulates down to 0.1
microns. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the filter element
144 is larger in area than the fan opening 75. This larger area
requires less tolerance in the position of the filter element
relative to the fan assembly 18. When the shroud 140 is mounted
over the helmet 30 and the fan 74 is operating, the suction
generated by the fan will be sufficient to hold the filter element
144 in position over the fan opening 75. The over-sized nature of
the filter element relative to the fan opening ensures that only
the filter element is positioned over the fan, and not the shroud
material itself.
[0076] As explained above, the face shield is curved when mounted
on the helmet to ensure an unobstructed, undistorted view through
the face shield. In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a
face shield 160 shown in FIG. 19 can be pre-curved--i.e., it is
formed with a curvature R. In accordance with this embodiment, this
pre-curvature is created by stamping the face shield from a sheet
of roll stock. In other words, the plastic sheet material for the
face shield 160 can be provided wound on a roll as roll stock. The
sheet is unwound from the roll stock for stamping into the shape
shown in FIG. 19. However, since the sheet material is rolled, it
develops a shape memory curvature. This curvature R gives the face
shield 160 its pre-curved configuration that facilitates mounting
on the helmet 30. As explained above, the face shield 160 is
mounted on the helmet by extending the tab 161 through the slot 71
in the chin bar (see FIG. 8). The pre-curvature of the face shield
automatically places the magnetic elements (not shown), such as the
elements 58 (see FIG. 3) in close proximity to the magnetic
elements 40 on the chin bar (see FIG. 2). In some cases, once the
face shield tab is properly positioned, the magnetic elements 40,
58 will automatically engage so that the face shield is quickly and
easily mounted on the helmet.
[0077] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the
following written specification. It is understood that no
limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is
further understood that the present invention includes any
alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and
includes further applications of the principles of the invention as
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this
invention pertains.
* * * * *